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Hymn History: My Anchor Holds Author: William Clark Martin “Martin was a prolific writer of gospel verse with numerous texts appearing in early-20th-century hymnals and song collections.” (Hymntime.com) The Origin of the Hymn “My Anchor Holds” Among the hymns that speak to the steadfastness of faith in the midst of life’s storms, few are as stirring and resolute Read more...
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Hymn History: My Country, ’Tis of Thee Author: Samuel Francis Smith “In the front rank of American hymn-writers Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D.D., has long had a place.” (Gospelstudies.org.uk) The Origin of the Hymn “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” Few patriotic hymns have stirred American hearts quite like “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” For nearly two centuries, this Read more...
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Hymn History: Near to the Heart of God Author: Cleland Boyd McAfee “Dr. McAfee, an eminent theologian, a brilliant speaker, author of a number of books and learned papers … yet today … is best remembered for this one simple, unassuming hymn of devotion.” (Alessandra Sorace) The Origin of the Hymn “Near to the Heart of God” Few Read more...
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Hymn History: Only a Sinner Author: James Martin Gray “Dr. Gray was a man of vision … the school grew under his able administration. He was a conservative theologian, a fine scholar and excellent Bible teacher, but his interests went far beyond mere academics.” (Robert Cottrill) The Origin of the Hymn “Only a Sinner” Among the many gospel Read more...
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Hymn History: Only Trust Him Author: John H. Stockton “Methodist minister John H. Stockton … had the evangelistic spirit of the day: he worked with Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey in the Philadelphia meetings, writing invitation hymns for use in their revivals.” (Dr. Hawn of Discipleship Ministries) The Origin of the Hymn “Only Trust Him” Few Read more...
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Hymn History: Open My Eyes, That I May See Author: Clara Harriet Jones Scott “Clara Harriett Fiske Jones Scott … was the first woman to publish a volume of anthems, the Royal Anthem Book, in 1882.” (Hymnary.org) The Origin of the Hymn “Open My Eyes, That I May See” Among the many hymns that express a sincere desire Read more...
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Hymn History: Revive Us Again Author: William Paton Mackay “A Scottish physician turned Presbyterian minister, his journey from skepticism to faith captures the power of divine intervention and the timeless call for spiritual renewal.” (HymnCharts) The Origin of the Hymn “Revive Us Again” There are hymns that call forth the heart’s deepest longings for renewal, and among them, Read more...
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Hymn History: Rise Up, O Men of God! Author: William Pierson Merrill “Unless you give yourself to some great cause you haven’t even begun to live.” (William Pierson Merrill) The Origin of the Hymn “Rise Up, O Men of God!” Among the many hymns that have inspired the Church to action and spiritual maturity, few ring with such Read more...
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Hymn History: Standing on the Promises Author: Russell Kelso Carter “Russell Kelso Carter … was a man of many talents and contradictions – a gifted hymn writer, passionate preacher, and pioneering advocate of divine healing, whose life and teachings left a complex legacy that continues to inspire and unsettle.” (Don Chapman) The Origin of the Hymn “Standing on Read more...
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Hymn History: In the Sweet By and By Author: Sanford Fillmore Bennett “His poetry began appearing in [Illinois] newspapers and hymn collections; later he studied medicine while owning a drugstore in Wisconsin.” (Hymntime.com) The Origin of the Hymn “In the Sweet By and By” Among the most enduring and beloved hymns of the 19th century is “In the Read more...
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Hymn History: Sweeter as the Years Go By Author: Lelia Naylor Morris “Choosing to avoid the spotlight and content in her labours as a homemaker, Lelia N. Morris … was often composing while doing housework.” (Melody Publications) The Origin of the Hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By” The hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By” has long Read more...
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Hymn History: The Beautiful Garden of Prayer Author: Eleanor Allen Schroll “There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting, There’s a place that is wondrously fair; … ’Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.” (Eleanor Allen Schroll) The Origin of the Hymn “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” The hymn “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” is a cherished treasure in the Read more...
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Hymn History: The Haven of Rest Author: Henry Lake Gilmour “Today I woke up singing the old hymn, ‘The Haven of Rest’! It was written by Henry Lake Gilmour.” (Judy Weltin) The Origin of the Hymn “The Haven of Rest” “The Haven of Rest” is a deeply beloved hymn of the Christian faith, expressing the refuge and peace Read more...
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Hymn History: The Rock That Is Higher Than I Author: Erastus Johnson “Many banks failed … Erastus Johnson wrote the hymn ‘The Rock That Is Higher Than I’ to encourage those present…” (Robert Cottrill) The Origin of the Hymn “The Rock That Is Higher Than I” “The Rock That Is Higher Than I” is one of the most Read more...
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Hymn History: The Star-Spangled Banner Author: Francis Scott Key “The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness.” (Francis Scott Key) The Origin of the Hymn “The Star-Spangled Banner” “The Star-Spangled Banner” is not just Read more...
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Hymn History: There Is Power in the Blood Author: Lewis Edgar Jones “Little did the modest man know that his hobby of hymn writing would be his most enduring legacy.” (Don Chapman) The Origin of the Hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” The hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” is one of the most enduring and Read more...
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Hymn History: There’s a Song in the Air Author: Josiah Gilbert Holland “In 1872 … writing a special Christmas hymn … He described how wonderful it was ‘in the homes of the nations’ who declare that ‘Jesus is King!’” (Inspiration Ministries) The Origin of the Hymn “There’s a Song in the Air” The hymn “There’s a Song in Read more...
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Hymn History: Throw Out the Life-Line Author: Edward Smith Ufford “Pastor Ufford had a great concern for the lost. He decided to put together a presentation that made use of his hymn … In 1902 he toured the world with this presentation. In Honolulu, Hawaii, he was privileged to hear his hymn sung in the native tongue.” (Robert Cottrill) Read more...
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Hymn History: Verily, Verily Author: James McGranahan “Though his health limited his hours of productivity, some of his best hymns were written during these days. McGranahan was a most lovable, gentle, modest, unassuming, gentleman, and a refined and cultured Christian.” (Hymnary.org) The Origin of the Hymn “Verily, Verily” “Verily, Verily”—also known by its opening line, “Oh, what a Read more...
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Hymn History: What Will You Do with Jesus? Author: Albert Benjamin Simpson “Our God has boundless resources. The only limit is in us. Our asking, our thinking, our praying are too small. Our expectations are too limited.” (Albert Benjamin Simpson) The Origin of the Hymn “What Will You Do with Jesus?” “What Will You Do with Jesus?” is Read more...